Top 10: Hawaiian Beaches

Sparkling gold beaches, inviting turquoise water, and tall majestic palm trees... hello Hawaii! With a description like that, it's no wonder the Aloha state manages to rake in approximately $10 billion annually from visitors.

The beaches of Hawaii offer a bit of everything, catering to a variety of tastes. Read on to visit the top Hawaiian sands, and find out why they stand out from the rest.

Number 10

Punalu'u Beach What makes Punalu'u beach unique is the color of its sand: black. Normally, this would be a bad thing (a very bad one at that; be sure not to go barefoot), but the color is the result of lava flowing into the waters below. You're likely to see Hawksbill turtles while there, but you'll have to admire them from a distance as these endangered creatures are protected by local law.

Number 9

Waianapanapa State Park If you'd prefer not to get wet and want to get back to basics, Waianapanapa State Park is a wondrous mix of sand, shore and wooded land. Underground caves are open for you to explore and equipped cabins are available for your stay.

Number 8

Waikiki Beach One of the most popular ones in the world, Waikiki beach is a two-mile run off the Oahu coast and is home of the Beachboys (not the musical group). Founded in 1920, its aim is to educate visitors on the native customs and heritage. At the same time, Waikiki offers surf lessons for those who want to surf more than the Net.

Number 7

Honaunau Bay For those of you looking to have a little adventure while having fun in the water, Honaunau Bay might be just what you're looking for. Once you're done exploring its gorgeous coral reefs, which are home to some of the most exotic fish in the world, take a tour of the Place of Refuge. This sacred temple was actually the destination of many in times of war.

Number 6

North Shore Beach If you're a surfing enthusiast, consider heading to The North Shore Beach during the winter months. It has been noted that the waves can reach up to 25 feet and over. Don't worry about the water being too frosty for your toes, as the water's average temperature during a Hawaiian winter is 78°F.